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A Brazilian school district has approved a new system in an effort to reduce truancy rates and keep tabs on the whereabouts of their students. Around 20,000 children in the city of Vitoria da Conquista will take part in the scheme. Pupils will be given what is being dubbed 'intelligent clothing', uniforms that are laced with tiny RFID microchips that can alert school authorities as to the exact location of an individual at any given time. If a child does not turn up for school on time, or is late for a certain class, the system will automatically notify parents via text message. The school board hope the new system will improve relations between parents and teachers.

Quote:“"We noticed that many parents would bring their children to school but would not see if they actually entered the building because they always left in a hurry to get to work," Coriolano Moraes, the city's education director, told the Associated Press, said BBC News. Parents will receive text messages when children arrive at school, or if they are tardy for a class. If the child still does not show up after 20 minutes, the parent will receive a subsequent text stating "Your child has still not arrived at school."

Similar security systems covering a wide range of practical applications are already undergoing trials in other countries. Biometric palm scanners are being used to record the working hours of employees in several large chain hotels and restaurants. Britain uses wearable GPS tags to monitor prisoners under house arrest, and has seriously considered surgically implanting paedophiles and sex offenders with similar devices to allow police to keep tabs on their whereabouts. Many airports are now using eye scanners to keep track of all who enter or leave a country. And we have seen cashless systems introduced into schools, where children are able to pay for school dinners with a wave of their hand or a press of their finger. It seems that no matter where we go in the world today, whether we like it or not, there is little we can do to avoid being scanned, tracked or monitored. It is fast becoming a part of everyday life.

We're not told exactly how it will come about, but the Bible describes a time where every living person will be required to receive an identifying mark on their right hand or forehead (Revelation 13:16-17). And without this brand mark, nobody will be able to buy or sell. You can see from today's news that we now have the technology to fulfil this prophecy. Governments are already working on a global identification system. It's not a matter of if but when this will be implemented. Many reasons have been put forward for adopting such a system. The last Labour government tried to make the case that a national identification card could reduce fraud and prevent terrorism. They later admitted that such a card would not have prevented the bombing of the London underground. Nor would it have reduced fraud significantly, as most fraud in this country is not committed by people using falsified or stolen identification, but by people claiming benefits they are not entitled to. Even the MPs are at it. Then when illegal immigration became a major political issue, they claimed the card would help prevent this too. But legal immigration in this country is in such a mess, it is doubtful whether a national ID card would make much difference.

The Bible does not state exactly why the Mark of the Beast will be introduced. Global security, financial turmoil, political upheaval, we aren't told. But the case will be made for it, and people will accept it. Like the Brazilian 'intelligent clothes' and the British national ID card, it will sound like a good idea at the time. People will be told it's for their own benefit. But really it will be about control and power. Control over the economic, political and religious life of every person on earth. The Bible has a stark warning for all who receive the Mark and worship the Beast (Revelation 14:11). But there is no need for a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to fear they may unwittingly accept the Mark of the Beast. Whether we are raptured before it is implemented or not (and I believe we will be), the Bible states that the names of all those who will receive it are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 13:8. 17:8). In other words, if you name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life now, it is impossible for you to accidentally or wilfully receive the Mark of the Beast. We who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation are already sealed with the Holy Spirit of God unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30). There is no power in heaven or earth that can change that. Praise God! So how can you have your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? Through trusting in the Lamb of God (John 1:29), the Lord Jesus Christ, for salvation. Jesus Christ loves you so much, He gave His life for you upon the cross, so that you could know your sins forgiven and have everlasting life (John 3:16). You know there is a greater bondage to that of the Mark of the Beast. The Bible says as long as we remain in our sins, we are slaves to it (John 8:34). And our sin will destroy us (Romans 6:23). But praise God that there is forgiveness of sin and freedom from bondage through Jesus Christ. Turn away from your sin, and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today.

John 8:36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.